By James Goldman

The Premier League strugglers are monitoring the 20-year-old and say a potential move is not "impossible" as they look to strengthen their squad in the transfer window

Reading director of football Nick Hammond is optimistic the Premier League strugglers can strike a deal to bring Central Coast Mariners midfielder Tomas Rogic to the Madejski Stadium this month.

The 20-year-old, whose contract runs out the end of the season, was denied a move to the Berkshire club back in 2011 after he failed to obtain a work permit, but Hammond is hopeful that the transfer can be resurrected.

"We'll talk to the Mariners and take it from there," Hammond told The World Game.

"We've been monitoring Tom closely for the past year or so and were really disappointed when we couldn't sign him because of those work permit issues.

"He's been doing really well and is a smashing lad. I have no doubt he has the potential to play in the Premier League.

"When we first tried to sign him [on a three-year deal] we were in the Championship but our opinion of him has only got higher as we have watched him continue to excel for the Mariners, who are a great club.

"I can't say whether something will happen in January, but it's not impossible."

Rogic, who is reported to have already agreed terms with the Royals, made his full international debut earlier this year and has made three subsequent appearances for the Socceroos.